The three lowest points in my life coincided with being unemployed and looking for a new job. More than 20 years later there is one particular job interview that still disturbs me. I remember knowing two things as the interview was winding up. First, I was pretty sure that I could do the job effectively. Second, I knew without a doubt I was not getting the job because the interview had gone so poorly. Nothing I said seemed to be the “right” answer and every time I tried to clarify myself or re-explain, it just got worse. Like the most horrible first date you can imagine where she doesn’t laugh at any of your jokes but you really, really like her and so you try harder. And she sees your desperation.
But instead of doing the decent human thing and least pretending to be mildly amused, she gulps her wine and rolls her eyes and then giggles sarcastically when the waiter stops by to ask if we are enjoying our evening. Not that this has ever happened to me personally, but I’ve heard it can be a humiliating experience. Bottom line: being really great at your job doesn’t mean you are really great at finding a new job.
A successful new job search requires a specific set of skills along with the right strategy and a measure of luck. The more effective your skills and strategy, the less dependent you will be on luck, but let’s face it, luck will always be a factor.Since you are essentially selling yourself to prospective employers I am of the opinion that every job seeker should complete a solid sales training program and I’ve listed the 8 major reasons below. I also understand why most of them won’t do this, and why even if you are currently unemployed, you probably won’t do this either.
Note: For more than 5 years I have been helping job seekers navigate the dark waters of a tough economy and tight employment market. This isn’t my business or a money making venture for me. My Win the Job War blog is simply a personal mission to share what I’ve learned, what I know works, and to provide resources that most job seekers can’t get on their own.
6 Reasons for Job Seekers to Complete a Sales Training Program
- If you are in a non-sales related career, you will learn many new skills to help you influence and persuade potential employers. Plus you’ll have a good answer when an interviewer asks what you’ve been doing with all the time on your hands. (Hint: “I decided to stretch myself and learn something completely new” is a good answer. “Catching up on the latest terrorist thrillers” is not.)
- If you are in a sales-related career, now is the time to polish your skills. You may very well be surprised at some of the new strategies and techniques you learn. Plus you’ll have a good answer when an interviewer asks what you’ve been doing with all the time on your hands. (Hint: “Brushing up on my golf game” is NOT a good answer.)
- You and your job performance capabilities are now a product/service which you are “selling” to the job market. A good sales training course will help you analyze your product/service and develop an effective sales approach to differentiate from the competition (other job seekers).
- You are going to experience the pain of rejection (you probably already have) and a good sales training course will help you think about rejection differently.
- The very best way to prepare for a job interview is to role play, practice answering the tough questions and responding effectively to unexpected questions. A really good sales training program will give you ample time to practice and rehearse your consultative dialogue.
- You may find that you actually like consultative selling, and this may open up new career possibilities for you. In a tough market for the best jobs, many businesses are looking for (and willing to pay well for) someone who can drive sales growth. And even of this doesn’t end up in a new career direction it is still a great way to make money while looking for your new “permanent” job.
3 Reasons Why They Won’t
- Really good sales training programs can be expensive, and job seekers typically are short on cash. Some of the very best live training workshops can run from $1500 to $2500 per person for a 3-day program. Some of the best online courses can cost $800 to $1400. That’s a lot of money for an unemployed person to spend.
- For those in a sales-related career, attending a sales training program can feel remedial, as if they are admitting they need to enhance their skills, which might mean they were less than perfect in their previous job, which might mean they bear some responsibility for their current unemployment – which is very uncomfortable to admit. Better to just not think about it and send out more resumes.
- For non-salespeople, attending a sales workshop can be intimidating, plus they may not have a great perception of salespeople and aren’t sure they want to spend time with “those people.”
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